Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives Patriots Route to Top Spot - Best of NFL Week 10
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Week 10 once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any given Sunday' saying that draws so many people into the NFL
This outcome may have opened things up for the Patriots to creep back into a leading position they formerly held, with a schedule that gives them an edge over their eight and two competitors
Over in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to set up a monster clash next week, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the Most Valuable Player award
The Breakdown - Just a Bad Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional comedown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or a deeper issue? That's the question for the Bills to answer
The Bills had secured seven victories in a row against the Dolphins but were second best from the start as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 victors in an surprising result - and performance
MVP Josh Allen only got the squad's initial first down in the third period and first points in the fourth - yes Miami had ten days to prepare but it was still a significant failure produced by one of the NFL's top offences
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two scores but rusher De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two touchdowns
Containing the NFL's top running game was crucial too, with James Cook and teammates recording just eighty-six yards, their lowest of the season and slightly more than fifty percent their 161.5-yard season average
Then there were the three crucial ball losses, and the pair from Josh Allen in particular. An interception in the end zone resulting in a nine minute drive yielded no points, and his final quarter fumble that the Dolphins converted to seven points just later
It was classic 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defense and Josh Allen trying to do too much to dig his team from the situation - rather than the calm, controlled, well-balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this season
The Dolphins have served up a varied performances this season so the verdict is uncertain on whether this is the beginning of a trend, but for Buffalo they'll require an immediate bounce-back in a tough game against Tampa Bay next week as the New England are quietly moving into a nice lead at the summit of the AFC East
Spotlight - Patriots Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Speaking of the New England, they're one of three different 8-2 squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference sides, but are they the top team?
You can find flaws in New England, the Broncos and the Colts actually for dominating the weaker opponents, with just five of their combined 24 wins coming against opponents with a positive record - and one example was the Indianapolis beating the Denver
The Broncos defeated the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the final quarter while Indianapolis can ride Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday's win in Tampa to their primtime win in Orchard Park seems like a statement
Their pair of losses occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight victories, similar to Denver, from that point - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to prepare was significant
Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he certainly earns point for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but hanging in there to steer his team to victory
The defensive unit is solid and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 rushing yards and two exhilerating scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different ball carrier to break 22 miles per hour this season on his initial touchdown
Although you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favorites to end with the best record due to their schedule - which features just one game against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against the Bills
Traveling to the Ravens is challenging too, but Denver have it even tougher in the AFC West with the Kansas City to face two times, the Chargers (who might also compete for first place but face the same problem) and additionally the Green Bay on the fixture list
The Colts also face the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jaguars to face. There's a considerable distance to go but the door is open for a surprise number one position in the AFC
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Set for Week 11 Showdown
Both squads with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three different 8-2 sides are National Football Conference West opponents the Seattle and Rams, who both put up 40 burgers to go to seven and two before the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the two in Los Angeles
They've both secured four victories in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Darnold performing at an elite level (although Darnold had ball security problems on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses giving up fewer than twenty points a contest
Each could easily be without a loss as well - particularly the Rams as their pair of losses occurred in extra time against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a game-winning field goal with the last kick blocked and run back by the Philadelphia for a score
The Seahawks were also defeated to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the last kick of the contest against the Tampa Bay - so they're genuinely two of the best sides in the NFL
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the best of the season to date
Player of the Week - Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Germany - rushing for 244 yards, scoring three touchdowns and adding another forty-two {receiving yards